United Way campaign hits 60 percent

December 6, 2012

STEUBENVILLE - Anthony Mougianis helped paste a new campaign total onto the United Way of Jefferson County cardboard thermometer and clapped his hands.

His enthusiasm at the United Way of Jefferson County report luncheon Wednesday at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Hellenic Hall has been evident during his tenure as the 2013 campaign chair since the campaign started in the spring with an auction of Ohio State University memorabilia by Mougianis.

"Leadership is about leaders. The flock will follow good leaders, and we have good leaders in our United Way. We are fortunate to have Ross Gallabrese as our president and to welcome Dave France as our new board of directors president in 2013. As I tell my staff at Apollo Cleaning, it is very important to help someone you will never meet," Mougianis told the report luncheon crowd.

The division chairs individually reported their financial efforts so far, and and Mougianis reported the volunteers have raised $250,698.56 toward the $440,000 goal.

"Last year at this point we were a little under the 40 percent mark. When we entered this room today, we were at the 47 percent mark.

"Now we are at the 60 percent mark. I feel confident we are going to reach our goal, and maybe we will pass that goal," said Mougianis.

He also cited Beth Rupert-Warren, who recently took on the duties as executive director of the United Way of Jefferson County.

"She has an infectious excitement about her and is a great leader," added Mougianis.

Gallabrese gave credit to the campaign volunteers and donors who have helped the 2013 campaign reach the 60 percent mark.

"Today is a testament to everyone who has worked on the campaign or contributed to the campaign. And, I thank Tony for his leadership this year," noted Gallabrese.

Gallabrese also thanked Ame Taggart for serving as interim executive director during the transition period this past summer.

"When we gather at the annual recognition dinner here at the Hellenic Hall on Feb. 21, we will at least be at the 100 percent mark and perhaps a little higher," Gallabrese said.

Phyllis Riccadonna of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Jefferson County shared a story about one of her "littles" who has an angelic face.

"We matched the little boy with a mentor who has transformed him so much.

"The mentor told us his 'little' wanted to join his school band and needed a trumpet. So we went on Craig's List and found an elderly man in Pittsburgh who had a beautiful trumpet," said Riccadonna.

"The mentor took his 'little' to meet the man in Pittsburgh, who asked the little boy if he would take care of the trumpet. The mentor is now paying for trumpet lessons, and one day we will all enjoy that little boy playing his trumpet at a report luncheon," added Riccadonna.